Need help right now? Call or text 988 Dial 211 for local help Emergency 911
Find help
Reviewed October 1, 2026

Maryland Energy Assistance / Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP)

Maryland OHEP provides several kinds of energy bill assistance. Heating, electricity and arrearage grants have distinct conditions within the July–June program year.

Who can apply

['Income and household rules determine eligibility. Tell intake which bills are owed and whether a disconnection is pending.', 'A separate arrearage grant has past-due balance and frequency rules; an electricity or heating grant is not automatically debt forgiveness.']

What help is available

MEAP assists heating bills, EUSP assists electricity and eligible arrearage assistance addresses certain past-due bills. Payments go toward approved vendor accounts.

Documents to prepare

Prepare the current bills, household identity and prior 30-day income records. Adults reporting no income may need the zero-income declaration. Ask about accepted wage, gig-work or self-employment proof.

How to get started

  1. Use OHEP’s Apply Online link or find the local home energy office.
  2. For a paper form, call 800-332-6347 and follow the local submission instructions.
  3. Provide the component-specific documents and retain the application confirmation.

After applying

Check application status through the official OHEP link and confirm utility posting after approval. Continue discussing payment arrangements with the utility. Ask separately about USPP protection, which requires qualifying participation and ongoing budget-billing payments.

Website screenshots

These images show the pages captured in August 2026. Website screens and rules may have changed.

The Maryland DHS Office of Home Energy Programs page.
August 2026 reference screenshot.
The OHEP application status checker.
August 2026 reference screenshot.

Common questions

Is budget billing required for EUSP?

The state says EUSP recipients may choose budget billing; it is not required for that grant. USPP has different requirements.

Can the program help an old balance?

Arrearage assistance may apply if its balance, frequency and other conditions are met. Ask for a separate review.

What proof is used for gig income?

OHEP lists recent earnings statements among accepted evidence. Ask the office about your records and required period.

Does an application stop a disconnection?

Do not assume that. Speak with the utility and local energy office about your deadline and available protection.

Sources and review

Historical screenshots: source reference.